Dense morning sea fog enveloped Cape Town’s waterfront on January 28, 2026, significantly slowing activity at one of Africa’s busiest ports. The weather-induced delays have raised concerns among logistics firms and exporters reliant on timely maritime operations, particularly for agricultural and mineral shipments bound for Asian markets.
Port authorities confirmed that vessel movements and cargo handling were temporarily reduced due to low visibility, with operations expected to resume fully once conditions improve. The disruption comes amid heightened demand for African exports to Asia, where countries like the Republic of Korea and Japan are key buyers of South African coal and citrus products.
While seasonal fog is common in Cape Town during summer months, this year’s intensity has drawn attention to climate-related risks for global supply chains. Analysts note that prolonged delays could affect regional trade balances and commodity prices in the coming weeks.
